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What is the relationship between Vaisheshika's atomistic view of reality and the concept of karma?
Vaisheshika, one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, is based on the concept of atomistic realism, which holds that all of reality is composed of discrete, indivisible particles called atoms. These atoms are believed to be eternal and indestructible, and they combine and interact with each other to form the material world that we perceive.
In Vaisheshika, atoms are not only seen as the building blocks of the physical world, but also of the spiritual world. This is where the concept of karma comes into play. Karma, in Hinduism, refers to the universal law of cause and effect, where one's actions in this life determine their fate in the next. According to Vaisheshika, karma is closely linked to the atomistic view of reality.
The Vaisheshika school believes that every action, thought, and emotion is made up of atoms that have a specific quality or attribute (called guna). These gunas determine the nature and consequences of the action. For example, an action performed with the guna of goodness (sattva) will result in positive karma, while an action performed with the guna of passion (rajas) or ignorance (tamas) will lead to negative karma.
Furthermore, Vaisheshika also states that these atoms, with their respective gunas, are constantly in motion and interact with each other in a complex web of cause and effect. This means that every action we take, no matter how small, has an impact on the atoms around us and can create a ripple effect that influences our future experiences.
In addition, Vaisheshika also believes in the concept of rebirth, where the soul (atman) carries the accumulated karma from one life to the next. This is possible because the atoms that make up the soul are indestructible and can retain the imprints of past actions.
Overall, the relationship between Vaisheshika's atomistic view of reality and the concept of karma is one of interdependence. The concept of karma is based on the belief that every action is made up of atoms with specific qualities, and these atoms interact with each other to determine the consequences of our actions. In turn, the accumulation of these actions and their consequences shape our future experiences and ultimately, our destiny. Thus, Vaisheshika's atomistic view of reality provides a framework for understanding and explaining the concept of karma in Hinduism.